ST AUGUSTINE COLLEGE OF SOUTH AFRICA NPC
Registered with the Department of Education as a private higher education institution under the
Higher Education Act. 1997. Certificate No. 2000/HE08/002
53 Ley Road Victory Park 2195 Johannesburg
P O Box 44782 Linden 2104 RSA
Website www.staugustine.ac.za
Tel (+27) (0) 11 380-9000
Fax +27) (0) 11 380-9200
E-mail admin@staugustine.ac.za
INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY (HONOURS)
DEGREE STUDENTS – 2016
The Degree of Bachelor of Theology (Hons) is a two-year, part-time programme designed for students who have
obtained an undergraduate degree in theology at NQF level 7 and who wish to further their qualifications at postgraduate
level and ultimately gain access to further postgraduate study at Master’s level (NQF Level 9).
The course is designed for learners requiring a more specialised and in-depth study of the teachings of the Christian faith
within an integrating Catholic intellectual tradition. It will guide learners to deepen their own spirituality and will also
furnish them with more specialised skills that are deemed essential for leading a Christian community. The uniqueness
of the course lies in its full-contact delivery offered in English in a comprehensive theological programme in which the
majority of the intended learners are lay people. It is also of value in offering the academic component required by
students preparing for ordained Christian ministry.
All candidates must do the initial course in Theological Method (HONT401) and the final Research Project (HONT402).
A candidate must then choose between two tracks, namely, a systematic or pastoral track. The modules within each
track are as follows:
Systematic Track
Pastoral Track
History of theological thought (HONT403)
Political theology (HONT404)
Themes in Christian doctrine (HONT405)
Word and worship (HONT406)
Pastoral counselling (HONT407)
Faith formation (HONT408)
The programme is run during one teaching week every three months in Johannesburg.
The dates for 2016 are as follows:
4 – 8 April 2016
Theological method (HONT401)
27 June – 1 July 2016
History of theological thought (HONT403) OR Pastoral counselling (HONT407)
3 – 7 October 2016
Themes in Christian doctrine (HONT405) OR Word and worship (HONT406)
How to apply for admission:
Fill in the attached application form, taking care to read it carefully, and submit it to the Assistant Registrar: Postgraduate
Education together with the certified copies of tertiary level qualifications and studies and the academic records (marks
obtained) and with the application fee of R440 by 15January 2016.
If a qualification is from a foreign country, an evaluation certificate must be obtained from the South African Qualification
Authority (SAQA) (Phone 012-431 5000 and email saqainfo@saqa.org.za ).
All copies of qualifications and academic records (transcripts) must be certified as true copies by a Commissioner of
Oaths.
Tuition Fees in 2016: R6 050 per module. R9 075 for the Research Project. 50% of the annual tuition fee must be
paid by 15 February 2016. A reduction of 10% will be granted if full payment for the year is made by that date.
Foreign students pay an annual fee as follows:
All countries excluding Africa – R4 840
African countries – R1 210
Banking details:
The application fee of R475 may be deposited into the College account. A photocopy of the deposit slip must then be
attached to the application form:
Bank
Branch
Account No.
Standard Bank
Northcliff (code 006305)
022517928
Proof of identity
It is necessary for the College to have proof of your identity when you come to register so please be prepared to bring a
certified copy of your South African Identity Book with you or, if you are not South African or do not have permanent
residence status in South Africa, your passport. Married women are also required to bring certified copies of their
marriage certificates, especially if qualifications were obtained under their maiden name.
Correct name
Unless the College is notified in writing, the name which is on your identity book or passport will be the one which
appears on your degree certificate when you graduate.
If your name is in any way different from the name on your academic qualifications (which might happen in the case of a
woman who has changed her name on marriage), then a marriage certificate or other formal documentation showing
proof of a name change must be presented to the Assistant Registrar.
Address of St Augustine College
Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Chrissie Thorn at the following address should you have any further queries:
St Augustine College of South Africa
53 Ley Road
Victory Park 2195
Johannesburg
Postal Address:
PO Box 44782
LINDEN
2194
Telephone: 011-380 9011
Email: c.thorn@staugustine.ac.za
Fax: 011-380 9211
Rules and Syllabuses
Please see attached.
RULES FOR BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY (HONOURS)
(BTHHONS)
These rules should be read in conjunction with the General Rules.
NQF level 8 with 120 credits
(SAQA ID Number: 90625)
HT.1
Length of degree
The curriculum for the degree shall extend over not less than two years of part-time study. During that
period a student is required to attend lectures full-time during four one-week modules and undertake a
research report in the last module.
HT.2
Application
A person who wishes to be admitted as a student for the degree shall lodge his or her application in
writing with the Registrar, submitting evidence of his or her academic and general qualifications.
HT.3
Eligibility for admission as a student for the degree
Either of the following may be admitted as a student by Senate under such conditions as it may
determine if it is satisfied that he or she is qualified and able to undertake the degree:


the holder of a three-year degree in theology with a final-year overall average of 65%
a person who has qualified for admission in terms of the College’s Recognition of Prior Learning
(RPL) policy.
HT.4 Curriculum17
A candidate must choose between the following two tracks. The modules within each track are as
follows:
HT.4.1 Systematic Track
HONT401
HONT402
HONT403
HONT404
HONT405
Theological method
Research Project
History of theological thought
Political theology
Themes in Christian doctrine
HT.4.2 Pastoral Track
HONT401
HONT402
HONT406
HONT407
HONT408
Theological method
Research Project
Word and worship
Pastoral counselling
Faith formation
Each module, except for the Research Project which will count 40 credits, is worth 20 credits:
HT.5 Completion of modules and credits
HT.5 (1) A student for the degree shall attend, perform the work of the class and, as Senate determines,
present himself or herself for assessment in the modules prescribed in the rules.
HT.5 (2) In each module, except the module, Research Project (HONT402), a student is required to attend
the classes during the weeks of full-time lectures, to actively participate in the work of the class, and
to complete the formative and summative assessment tasks.
HT.5 (3) In the case of the module, Research Project (HONT402), the student must complete a 10 000-word
research project on a topic approved by the Head of Department. Should a student require additional
time in which to complete the research project, he or she must apply in writing through the
Registrar’s Office for permission.
HT.5 (4) The mark for each module, except the Research Project (HONT402), comprises the following
components made up in the following proportions:
Formative assessment
Summative assessment
50% towards the final mark
50% towards the final mark
(i) The formative component consists of formative assessment task/s and comprises 50% of the
overall marks for a module.
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The syllabus for the modules for the BTh(Hons) degree is set out from page 82.
(ii)The summative assessment comprises the other 50%. The summative assessment may take the
form of an examination or another assessment form depending on the requirements of the module. It
must be in a written form which will be externally assessed and is weighted as a minimum of 50% of
the final mark.
All details about the methods of assessment, length of assignments or other methods of assessment
and due dates, as well as the component or components to be externally assessed, must be included
in the course packs handed out to candidates at the start of each module.
HT.5 (5)All assignments must be completed and handed in by the due dates set by the Head of Department.
A candidate may be refused permission to present himself or herself for the normal traditional
examination, if there be one, or from submitting the summative assessment assignment if he or she
has not completed and submitted all the work prescribed during the quarter in which the module is
offered, by the due date. Where no traditional examination for the summative assessment is held a
candidate must hand in all work by the due date and must complete and hand in the final assignment
for summative assessment by the due date. No extensions beyond that date are permitted. A
candidate who fails to submit the work by the due date will fail the module.
HT.5 (6) The pass mark in any module is 50%. A student has to obtain an average of at least 50% for the two
components and, in addition, must obtain a sub-minimum of 40% in the formative and summative
assessments.
HT.5 (7) All four modules, count equally towards the final mark for the degree (20 credits per module). The
Research Project counts 40 credits towards the degree.
HT.6 Exemption from modules
Senate may, on written application from a student, exempt such a student from one or two modules on
the ground of his or her having obtained credit in an equivalent course or module for a degree or
equivalent qualification in another university or equivalent academic institution, on condition that he or
she completes the remaining requirements for the diploma at the College.
HT.7 Completion of requirements for degree
In order to qualify for the degree, a student must:
 comply with the requirements of Rules HT.4 and HT.5 (1) and (2),
 obtain credit for all the modules prescribed for him or her,
 complete all the requirements within 30 months of first registration for the degree.
HT.8 Failing and repeating modules18
A student who fails to obtain credit in a module may be permitted by Senate to repeat the module the
next time it is offered. Repeating a module means re-registering for the module, repeating all the work
for the module, undergoing the required assessments and paying the prescribed tuition fee.
Students who fail more than two modules will be de-registered and will not be offered a degree by the
College.
HT. 9 Renewal of registration
Senate may refuse permission for a student to renew his or her registration for the degree if he or she
fails to complete the requirements set out in Rules HT.4 and HT.5 or has not completed and passed all
five modules (including the module “Research Project” (HONT402) ) within 30 months of continuous
part-time registration. If a candidate has been granted formal permission by Senate to break his or her
registration for a specific period, that period will be excluded from the two-year period. (See also
General Rule G.33).
HT.10 Publication of results and award of degree with distinction
HT.10 (1) The final mark obtained by a student in a qualifying module shall be published as a percentage.
HT.10 (2) The degree may be awarded with distinction to a student who obtains an average of at least 75%
for all five modules.
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There is no guarantee every module will be offered every year or even every second year.
SYLLABUSES FOR BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY (HONOURS)
HONT401 THEOLOGICAL METHOD
This course introduces students to method in theology through a historical, descriptive and systematic
analysis of the tasks and methods of theology. It will consider the development, function, and value of various
types of theological method in differing contexts, including those of the present era. It seeks to provide
insight into theological method as a whole, as well as those analytical-critical skills essential in evaluation of
past and present methodologies. It will also establish the fundamental criteria and foundational principles
required for a creative response to present complex questions of theological method.
Content
1. The necessity for theological method.
2. The history of theological method.
3. Types and modes of theological method.
4. Contemporary epistemological challenges to theological method.
HONT403 HISTORY OF THEOLOGICAL THOUGHT
This module considers the history and development of Christian theological thought through a historical,
descriptive and systematic analysis of its principal paradigms, periods and figures. It will examine the
writings, approaches and methodologies of key figures to determine principal modes of theological inquiry
and faith reflection. Four representative paradigms will be considered: Augustinian Patristic, Thomistic
Scholastic, Modern turn to the subject, and contemporary postmodern thought. The shifts illustrated in these
paradigms will serve to illustrate both transitions and continuities within the tradition, as well as provide the
basis for the continuation and development of Christian thought and praxis in the 21 st century.
Content
1. The dynamics and methods of the development of theological discourse.
2. The Patristic paradigm: Theology as Sapientia.
3. The Scholastic paradigm: Theology as Scientia.
4. The Modern paradigm: Rational, Existential and Postmodern orientations in theology.
HONT404 POLITICAL THEOLOGY
This modules purpose is an analysis of Political theology as a discourse, an extensive study of political
theologies and themes and figures in the history of political theology. It will establish the origins of politicaltheological discourse in foundational theological sources and trace the rise of modern and recent approaches
to political theology. The module will entail an in-depth study of different types of political theologies and their
interrelations. It will also deal with principal themes that give rise to a theological reflection on the sociopolitical and themes which themselves arise from a specifically theological engagement with socio-political
issues. It will also outline, define and contrast primary figures in political theology and their distinctive
approaches. Finally it will examine the new political theologies and their response to the politicisation of
religion and the sacralising of the political in different socio-cultural contexts.
Content
1. The nature, history and scope of political theology as a discourse.
2. The renewal of political theology by the politically and socially marginalised and how this challenges
western theological hegemony.
3. The political theologies of the North and the global/social peripheries and how they reflect the tensions of
contemporary globalisation.
4. New political theologies and their influence on religious fundamentalism and the potential for violence.
HONT405 THEMES IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
This module engages in an in-depth analysis of the five major systematic theological themes: God and
Creation, Trinity, Christology, Soteriology and Ecclesiology (with Sacramentology and Mariology as
subsections). This engagement will be historical, systematic and critical. The distinction between the themes
in theological discourse, their interrelation and their ultimate unity as expressive of the deposit of faith will be
brought to the fore. Particular attention will be given to contemporary and contextual understandings of these
themes, especially within the South African context.
Content
1. The biblical roots of the five doctrinal themes.
2. Historical and contextual influences on the development of the five doctrinal themes.
3. The interrelationship among the five doctrinal themes in contemporary Protestant and Catholic traditions.
4. The reception and comprehension of the five doctrinal themes in the contemporary South African
Protestant and Catholic Churches.
HONT406 WORD AND WORSHIP
This course will consider the Christian liturgical tradition beginning with the place of myth and symbol in
human worship, the origins of Christian liturgical practice as evidenced in scripture and documents of the
early church, and its development through the ages. It will critique contemporary Christian ritual practice,
examine the role of preaching in worship, and finally offer an appraisal of the place and necessity of worship
in pastoral ministry.
Content: The course will consider myth and symbol as components of ritual worship. It will examine the
emergence and history of specifically Christian rituals in both Catholic and Protestant traditions. It will also
study preaching within the context of ritual worship, and the criteria for ritual effectiveness.
HONT407 PASTORAL COUNSELLING
This course seeks to familiarise the student with those skills which are necessary to engage in counselling
from a faith perspective within a pastoral setting.
Content: This course studies the basics elements of counselling, counselling in crisis situations and in
specific pastoral situations related to marriage and HIV/AIDS. It also considers counselling from the
perspective of the Christian tradition especially in relationship to spirituality and ethics.
HONT408 FAITH FORMATION
This course will introduce students to a comprehensive model of faith formation as found in the Rite of
Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), and discuss its application to adult faith formation, the formation of
children, and sacramental preparation.
Content: This course studies the history of Christian initiation and its present restoration in the Rite of
Christian Initiation of Adults. It examines this as a model for the faith formation of children and for
sacramental preparation. It discusses various contemporary models for the ongoing faith formation of adults.
HONT402 RESEARCH PROJECT
Under supervision the student will write an academic paper of 10,000 words based on his or her independent
research on a topic of his or her own choosing and subject to approval of the College. The experience of
gathering, interpreting and documenting information, developing and organising ideas and conclusions and
communicating them clearly is an essential skill required at the postgraduate level.
The student will formulate a question related to his or her field of study, undertake the research necessary to
answer the research topic, develop an academic proposal in response to the research topic, and according to
the norms of the College, write an academic paper of 10,000 words situating the question, presenting the
research and drawing the conclusions arising thereof.
Ecmt
26.08.2015